Stepping into some controversial territory today, I will make some observations on the status of science literacy in the US. First, let me say that I am a constant reader of science, reading 2-3 science books a month as well as Scientific American and Science News and subscribe to a number of science web […]
One of the biggest challenges of any leader is their own defensiveness. When a leader gets defensive, people can spot it a mile away and react to it very quickly. Leaders are often totally unaware of their defensive behavior while everyone else can sense it. Depending on what type of defensive behavior […]
Diane Stafford recently wrote an article in the Kansas City Star about the Towers Perrin survey of 86,000 employees. The survey underlines what I have noticed for years, that managerial quality is critical in creating performance culture and retaining employees. They noted in the survey that as many as one-third of managers in […]
While individuals learn, they also learn in context. An accountant learns accounting principles in college but then has to relearn accounting application within the context of the company they may work in. An engineer learns engineering but then has to learn engineering application in the context of his employer. Context influences learning […]
We are here on earth to do good to others. What the others are here for, I don’t know. - W. H. Auden
In 25 years of coaching leaders and managers I have found that effective coaching happens only with a strong foundation of confidence and rapport between myself and the manager. Until a manager feels confidence and trust in and coach, there will be no change. Good coaching causes people to look at things that […]
Outdoor adventure courses have been around for many years. Their purpose is to give a group of people a common experience in working together. The hope is that this will lead to better skills and cooperation in the workplace. There is little to suggest that this actually happens. After most outdoor […]